The Keeper of the Stars, written by Jennifer Harris and illustrated by Dorothy Leung. Owlkids, 2024. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"The Keeper of the Stars gives Milo 
his own bucket of soapy water and a
soft cloth, and together they wash 
and polish the stars. 

This would be much easier 
if the stars weren't ticklish." 

Milo has a few nightly rituals: he taps his dad's photo three times, reads three stories with his mom, and watches her fall asleep first which allows Milo to make a very exciting journey every evening. He quietly climbs through his bedroom window, catches a comet, and makes his way to help the Keeper of the Stars with a very important task. 

The Keeper of the Stars, a big blue bear with a star on his forehead, is in need of Milo's help every evening. After a full day, the sky is definitely in need of capable help to return it to its earlier condition. Milo helps the Keeper with cleaning, polishing, and returning the stars to their proper places so they can continue to guide sailors with navigation. Once done, Milo often plays with the baby stars before settling in for cocoa and sandwiches with the Keeper. 

Only then, does Milo hitch another comet ride for his return home to tap his dad's photo three times again, and slide into bed without waking his mom. Sleep comes quickly. Milo is keenly aware that 'the stars are always there' even if you can't see them.  

Dorothy Leung uses pencil, gouache and digital images for the images that track Milo's nightly adventures with warmth and meaning. The sadness of missing his father is eased by his connections with the Keeper and other creatures he encounters. Emotional and charming, this book makes for a lovely bedtime read.